Resources for Seniors, Families & Caregivers
We've gathered trusted resources to help you navigate care options, government programs, equipment coverage, and community support — all in one place.
Resources on this page are provided for general informational purposes only. Carolina's Connections Home Health is a non-medical home care provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Medicaid, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other government agencies unless otherwise stated. Program availability, eligibility, coverage, and benefits are determined by the applicable agency, health plan, healthcare provider, or supplier. Contact the appropriate program directly for current information.
North Carolina Help & Important Numbers
Key agencies and contact numbers for seniors, families, and caregivers across North Carolina.
NC DHSR Complaint Intake Unit
File complaints about healthcare facilities, home care agencies, and other regulated providers in North Carolina.
NC Medicaid Contact Center
Questions about NC Medicaid eligibility, benefits, covered services, and enrollment.
NC Division of Aging & Adult Services
Statewide aging services, caregiver support, adult protective services, and long-term care resources.
NC SHIIP — Medicare Counseling
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. Helps with Medicare choices, billing questions, and fraud.
NC Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and adult care homes. Investigates complaints.
NC Adult Protective Services
Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults in North Carolina.
Medicare & Medicaid Equipment Resources
Qualifying individuals may have coverage for certain medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) depending on their insurance, medical necessity, and program requirements. Not every person qualifies, and not every item listed is covered in every situation.
Wheelchairs & Power Wheelchairs
Manual and power wheelchairs for individuals with qualifying mobility limitations.
Mobility Scooters
Power-operated vehicles for those who cannot walk or have significant difficulty walking.
Walkers & Rollators
Standard walkers, wheeled walkers, and rollators for balance and mobility support.
Canes & Crutches
Standard and quad canes, forearm crutches, and axillary crutches.
Hospital Beds
Adjustable hospital-style beds for home use when medically necessary.
Patient Lifts
Mechanical and hydraulic lifts to assist with transfers for individuals with limited mobility.
Bedside Commodes
Portable commode chairs for individuals who cannot safely reach a bathroom.
Pressure-Reducing Mattresses & Overlays
Specialized mattresses and overlays to help prevent or treat pressure injuries.
Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment
Home oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen, and respiratory therapy equipment.
Diabetic Equipment & Supplies
Blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and insulin pumps for qualifying individuals.
How to Start the Equipment Process
Requirements differ by equipment type and insurance plan. The steps below provide a general overview — always confirm the specific requirements with your provider and insurance.
Speak with Your Physician
Talk with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider about your mobility, health, or functional needs.
Determine Medical Necessity
Your provider will assess whether the requested equipment is medically necessary and document the clinical need.
Obtain Required Documentation
Gather any required prescriptions, letters of medical necessity, or clinical notes as required by your insurance.
Verify Coverage
Contact Medicare, Medicaid, or your health plan to confirm whether the equipment is covered under your specific plan and benefits.
Locate an Enrolled Supplier
Find a Medicare-enrolled or Medicaid-approved DME supplier. Using an enrolled supplier is required for insurance reimbursement.
Complete Prior Authorization (if required)
Some equipment requires prior authorization from your insurance before it can be ordered. Your provider or supplier can assist with this process.
Aging & Disability Resources
North Carolina Area Agencies on Aging and statewide programs help older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers locate community programs, transportation, nutrition, and long-term care information.
Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Serves the greater Charlotte region including Mecklenburg County. Connects older adults and caregivers to local services, transportation, nutrition programs, and caregiver support.
Visit Centralina AAANC Area Agencies on Aging (Statewide)
Find your local Area Agency on Aging anywhere in North Carolina for community-based services, caregiver assistance, and long-term care planning.
Find Your Local AAAEldercare Locator (National)
A nationwide service connecting older adults and caregivers to local services including transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support.
Visit Eldercare LocatorNC Caregiver Support Program
Provides support services for family caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities, including respite care, counseling, and education.
Learn MoreDisability Rights NC
Protects the rights of North Carolinians with disabilities through advocacy, legal assistance, and education.
Visit Disability Rights NCConditions & Caregiver Education
Trusted national organizations and government resources for families navigating common health conditions. These links are provided for educational purposes only.
Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia
Alzheimer's Association
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Foundation
Stroke
American Stroke Association
Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
Heart Disease
American Heart Association
Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation
Vision Loss & Glaucoma
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Kidney Disease & Dialysis
National Kidney Foundation
Cancer
American Cancer Society
COPD & Respiratory Disease
COPD Foundation
Osteoporosis & Fall Prevention
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Caregiver Support
Family Caregiver Alliance
Transportation & Accessibility Resources
The resources below are external programs operated by government agencies and community organizations — separate from any transportation services offered directly by Carolina's Connections.
CATS Paratransit (Charlotte)
Charlotte Area Transit System's ADA paratransit service for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses.
Visit CATS ParatransitCentralina Area Agency on Aging — Transportation
Connects older adults in the Charlotte region to senior transportation programs and community ride services.
Visit Centralina AAANC Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
NC Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation to covered medical appointments for eligible members.
NC Medicaid NEMTEldercare Locator — Transportation
Search for local senior transportation programs anywhere in the United States through the national Eldercare Locator.
Search Eldercare LocatorITNAmerica
A national nonprofit providing transportation services for older adults and adults with visual impairments.
Visit ITNAmericaBenefits & Financial Assistance
Official resources where families can learn about government programs and financial assistance. Eligibility is determined by each program — Carolina's Connections does not determine or guarantee benefits.
Medicare
Official Medicare information including coverage, enrollment, plan comparison, and finding providers.
medicare.govNC Medicaid
North Carolina Medicaid program information, eligibility, covered services, and enrollment.
medicaid.ncdhhs.govSocial Security Administration
Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
ssa.govVeterans Benefits Administration
VA benefits for veterans including health care, disability compensation, pension, and Aid & Attendance.
benefits.va.govNC Extra Help / Low Income Subsidy
Federal program that helps people with limited income pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Learn About Extra HelpBenefits.gov
Official U.S. government website to find federal and state benefit programs you may be eligible for.
benefits.govNC 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 or visit the website to connect with local health and human services programs across North Carolina.
nc211.orgNot Sure Where to Start?
Families don't always know where to begin. Carolina's Connections is happy to help you navigate general resource questions and home care information. Please note that we do not determine eligibility for government programs, insurance benefits, or medical equipment coverage — those decisions are made by the applicable agency, health plan, or provider.
Resources are provided for general informational purposes only. Carolina's Connections Home Health is a non-medical home care provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Medicaid, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other government agencies unless otherwise stated. Program availability, eligibility, coverage and benefits are determined by the applicable agency, health plan, healthcare provider or supplier. Contact the appropriate program directly for current information.